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Questions to Ask When Buying a Home

One of the major decisions in life is choosing the house that you will live in. You cannot just decide on this on impulse. There are criteria that should be met before giving that very important “go” signal. It is good to be guided by some relevant questions that you can use as a basis for getting the best place for your family. Such questions will determine whether one of the homes for sale is appropriate for your needs and are within your expected range of costs. Below are some of the common questions that can influence your decision. When you go out and look for that house, be sure to ask these questions and the answers will serve as your basis for your choice.

There are three categories of questions that you can ask as a home buyer or make sure your Realtor asks on your behalf. You can ask about the price, the location and the home condition.

With regard to the price, you can ask how much did the seller pay for the house. You may indirectly ask the question or you can fish for the information based on the flow of your discussion. This information is necessary for you to know whether the home values in the area have gone up or down. With this information, you will also be able to determine if a property is a foreclosure problem. If this is so, you might have a problem securing financing for at least 90 days. You also have to ask how much does the seller still owe. If the amount is higher than the asking price, it is a short sale and is just bringing cash in for closing. Another thing worth asking is the price of the homes within the neighborhood. The comparable and competitive sales are the bank’s basis for computing the property value. You also have to ask how long is the home sold in the market. If it is in the market for more than 60 days, you can easily negotiate for a discount.

The condition of the home is also a very important factor in making your important decision. You have to check how old the roof is. Newer roofs can still last for 15 to 50 years depending on the quality of the materials used. It is also worth asking the seller the type of foundation used. Raised foundations and homes with basements can provide easy access to electrical and plumbing. You also have to ask when the last time the plumbing and electrical connections were replaced. With this type of homes, maintenance and installation will cost less for you. Also, you have to know if the house has insulation both in the walls and the attic. If this is so, you will not have problems during colder seasons.

Finally, questions about the location are equally important. You can check on the type properties within the neighborhood and the demographics. You can talk to some neighbors to determine the type of community that you will be living in. Are the schools near? How about the church? Are there recreational areas that are accessible? How about the traffic condition? These may be minor questions but these are important concerns when you choose to live in the neighborhood.

Asking the above questions will help you make a carefully thought decision and you will not be wasting your time making a big mistake.

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